Upchurch twins leave PSU

Portland State’s women’s soccer team had a pair of senior twins playing for them this year. Although both, Angela and Victoria Upchurch, concluded the season on the sideline with torn ACL’s, they played the majority of their senior season. Both transferred from Highline Community College and played their final two years of eligibility at Portland State.

“As a player I gained a unique experience I will never forget. I had the chance to play soccer under a great coach and I learned a lot about myself. I learned my limits and the limits I could push to be the best competitor I could become,” Victoria said.

While playing for the Vikings, the Upchurch’s learned how to compete at a higher level. They gained valuable relationships from their experience on and off the field. This season, they both started in all the games, before their injuries. Victoria played at the forward position and Angela played on the defensive side of the field.

“I gained the knowledge to succeed in the real world. Without soccer I don’t know if I would have gone to college, so I learned I can succeed both academically as well as athletically here at Portland State,” Angela said.

Each of these women gained a little something different playing and attending classes at Portland State. They both admitted that they had met a lot of good people here and made relationships for the better. The setting at Portland State is one that will be missed by both women. “I met a lot of great people along the way that have made me a better person and I hope that I made the same impact on other’s lives. I will also miss living and playing in downtown Portland,” Angela said.

Victoria added, “I have met many people while playing soccer and the relationships are what I will take away from my experience. I will miss living in the unique urban environment of downtown. The environment created a successful setting to complete the degree I was going for.”

Assistant coach Tami Bennett had many positive things to say when asked about what the Upchurch’s meant to the team. The only negative she drew on was that both girls tore their ACL’s late in the season, bringing a senior year to an early end.

“They were both hard-working and they loved playing soccer. They were excited to play Division I and to be there everyday. They took advantage of the opportunity,” Bennett said.